Who pays for a damaged mailbox?

Author: Mrs. Nya Robel V  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

The US Postal Service® does not maintain personal mailboxes: The property owner is responsible for the repair of personal boxes.

Who is responsible for broken mailboxes?

In a residential neighborhood where you own the mailbox (like a curbside mailbox), you are responsible for repairs. Conversely, if you live in an apartment building, that responsibility will typically fall on your landlord.

Whose responsibility is it to replace a mailbox?

Ownership: If the mailbox is on private property, the homeowner is generally responsible for its maintenance and replacement. If it's part of a community or managed property, the homeowners' association (HOA) may have guidelines.

Will homeowners insurance cover mailbox damage?

Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers mailboxes under other structures coverage. The damage to the mailbox must be caused by a covered peril. Your deductible will most likely be higher than the cost of replacing your mailbox. If that is the case, then filing a claim is a waste of time. Hope this helps!

What happens if Mailman damages the mailbox?

Simply put, USPS is liable for damaged property and you may file a tort claim to request compensation for your loss.

Mailbox damage dilemma: who pays for repairs?

Is it against the law to damage a mailbox?

Although mailboxes are the responsibility of the customer/property owner as defined U.S. Postal Service™ Post Office Manual Section 632, mailboxes are considered federal property, and federal law (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1705), makes it a crime to vandalize them (or to injure, deface or destroy any mail ...

Is my mailbox owned by the USPS?

While the USPS sets specific standards and regulations for mailboxes, the homeowner or property owner owns the physical mailbox. This ownership provides the freedom to select the design and location of your mailbox, provided it follows USPS regulations.

Who investigates mailbox damage?

U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)

Does liability insurance cover hitting a mailbox?

Typical losses covered include: A fence or mailbox you hit while parking. A ball cracks a neighbor's window. Windshield damage from debris flying off your car.

How do I report a damaged mailbox?

If you have information on mailbox vandalism or mail theft in your area, report it to your local Post Office™ or to the Postal Inspection Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

What do I do if my mailbox was broken into?

Contact your Local Post Office if you need further assistance.
  1. Notify your local police.
  2. Place your mail on hold if needed, until you repair or replace your box.
  3. Report mail theft by following the instructions under "Report Mail Theft", above.

Are you allowed to replace your own mailbox?

Important: Before installing, moving or replacing your mailbox or mailbox support, you will need to contact your Postmaster or mailperson from your local Post Office™. All mailboxes must be approved by the Postal Service™. Custom made mailboxes will be approved by the Postmaster if they meet established standards.

What happens if your mailbox gets destroyed?

Will Mail Still Be Delivered If The Mailbox Is Broken? The short answer is no, you will not receive mail if your box is damaged or broken. The USPS will inform you that your mailbox is unserviceable and thereafter they will hold your mail at the local post office for 2 weeks.

Does Hoa replace mailbox?

Mailbox purchases should never be the responsibility of the individual homeowners. The only way to provide and maintain uniformity in your neighborhood is for the HOA dues to cover the replacement of mailboxes.

Can mail be delivered to a broken mailbox?

It may seem like fun to vandalize a mailbox or drop a firecracker into a blue USPS collection box, but it is actually a criminal act that affects your neighbors and your community. Mail cannot be delivered to a damaged mailbox, and mailboxes cost money to replace.

Who pays for damaged mailbox?

The US Postal Service® does not maintain personal mailboxes: The property owner is responsible for the repair of personal boxes.

Is damaging a mailbox a felony?

Damaging a mailbox is a federal crime

This law applies regardless of the type of mail damaged, whether it's documents, prescription medicine or written correspondence.

Is it illegal to have a broken mailbox?

Not having a proper mailbox is a violation and the unit is considered uninhabitable according to CA law.

How do you fix a broken mailbox?

Steps
  1. Assess the damage to your mailbox and post. ...
  2. Sand or saw off any damaged wood if you're salvaging the post. ...
  3. Purchase a mounting bracket that fits your mailbox. ...
  4. Purchase galvanized deck screws to install the bracket. ...
  5. Screw the bracket onto the post. ...
  6. Secure the mailbox to the bracket.

Is it free to have a mailbox?

The Postal Service offers no-fee post office (PO) box service to customers who do not receive any form of carrier delivery. Customers apply for the no-fee PO box service by completing an application and providing identification to a Postal Service employee.

Is it easy to replace a mailbox?

Whether it's for your home or business, it's a simple process that you can easily accomplish in a few hours. Before we get into how to replace a mailbox, you'll want to make sure you order a new one and have it before you begin.

Who is responsible for the mailbox?

Like cluster mailboxes, community mailboxes are typically maintained and repaired by the property owner or HOA. While the USPS manages mail delivery, the upkeep of the mailbox unit falls under the responsibility of the community that uses it.

How do I tell who owns a mailbox?

Mailboxes owned and maintained by the United States Postal Service ( USPS ) should have the picture of the U.S. Postal Service Eagle or a statement similar to "Property of United States Postal Service" on the side.

Does your mailbox belong to you or the government?

Once you install your mailbox, and it is ready for the receipt of mail, you effectively lease your mailbox to the federal government for the service of mail delivery. Let's not forget that, as long as you have an up-to-code mailbox, receiving mail is a free service.

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